Today was the ultimate day for flying. I met Carl at 8am and the day was crisp, cold, and clear. There was no wind and not a cloud in the sky. A perfect excuse to burn some more time off and get in my second flight lesson.
I did the preflight and by the time we were finished the frost had burned off the wings. When those wings are all that stand between you and disaster, you quickly learn that you want nothing to interfere with the smooth flow of air over that wing that generates your lift. Even a light frost can be dangerous.
The air was as smooth as glass today...hardly a bump...unitl I started practicing some landings. Carl's other student is a chiropractor and that may come in handy if we keep landing the way we did today. Carl insists that I fly the landing while he gives encouragement from the right seat. He has this amazing ability to remain absolutely calm despite the fact that I'm dropping us onto the asphalt like a brick. I guess it just feels that way because he says I'm doing fine. Or, perhaps he's just trying to be kind.
If flying wasn't difficult, everyone would do it. It is the most challenging thing I can ever remember tackling. I'm convinced that as long as I keep practicing regularly and don't give up, I can do this.
For a student pilot, flying consumes every ounce of mental energy and concentration, leaving no time to think of anything else. I feel the same way when I'm playing hockey. When you walk away from the airplane after a training flight you are mentally exhausted, but strangely exhilarated to be back on the ground, aware that just a few minutes ago you were 4,000 ft above the earth traveling at 120 mph.
I must attend to work and a busy weekend cooking kettle corn at a parade and two football games. No time for flying. I am aiming for next Tue. or Wed. for my next flight(s). Until then..."Let's go flying!"
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